The Spurs did what everyone expected them to and picked up team options on Stephon Castle, Carter Bryant, and Dylan Harper.
Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 draft, is entering his third year in the league and has become a full-time starter for the contending Spurs. The young guard averaged 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists as a sophomore in the regular season, and his scoring and rebounding numbers improved in the playoffs. By exercising the team option, San Antonio will make sure
to have him under contract until Year 4 of his career. Castle will be eligible for an extension next offseason.
Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant were the No.2 and No.14 overall picks in the 2025 draft, respectively. Harper came off the bench as a rookie behind Castle and De’Aaron Fox and proved he was worth the high selection in the regular season, where he averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. His numbers and his impact increased in the playoffs, where he proved to be one of the best players on the roster, earning a starting spot heading into the 2026/27 season. Picking up the option for his third year was a no-brainer.
Bryant, as expected, was more of a project during his rookie year, having ups and downs but showing improvement as the games went by. He had the trust of the coaching staff and got some minutes in the postseason as well. While he will face a lot of competition for playing time in 2026/27, he’s shown more than enough potential to have his option picked. Players with his combination of size and athleticism aren’t common, and if the shot continues to improve, he could crack the rotation easily in the upcoming year.
The Spurs will have three important young pieces locked on rookie contracts for a few more years, which is unsurprising but good news.
